Kurt Hummel opened his bright blue eyes with reluctance as pale light shifted through his window. As his eyes focused, he tore off his covers and stalked over to the bathroom. He rubbed his drowsy eyes and smiled when his reflection came into view.
Today is the day, he thought to himself.
Today was the day his fellow ninja finally recognized him for who he was- a person. Today was the day he stopped taking the bully attacks full force, He could fight back. Kurt sat down on the small vanity and moisturized his face, flinching when the ointment stung his skin, a sign of the bacteria being burned away. He then walked to his closet. Kurt wasn’t materialistic, not really, but when it came to clothes he couldn’t help himself. He had to choose the perfect uniform, as he would be wearing it on missions every day until he grew out of it. His creative eyes darted back and forth between all the different types of clothing and colors. Already in his head he formulated over 8 different outfits, but none of them seemed right. He reached his hand out as something caught his eye. In the dark corner of the closet a bright, silvery vest had been lazily thrown across an old lamp. Kurt immediately recognized it. The vest had been handed down through Burt’s family, he wanted Kurt to have it many years ago, but he declined.
It never felt right, Kurt reasoned. But now that he was about to be Genin, and his ‘fathers’ love had been more important than anything thus far, Kurt decided to at least look over the fabric.
Holding the vest gingerly between his index finger and thumb, he absently ran his left hand over it. The chain mail vest was beautiful really, the silver fabric was intricate, and the light gray stitching along the sides showed many years of tender care and love. Near the torso was a single medium sized button. Kurt studied it closer and on the backside was a kanji for ‘love’.
Kurt felt his eyes tearing up and quickly wiped them away. For Burt to even consider giving Kurt such a precious heirloom was amazing. Kurt felt a small smile appear on the corner of his lips and walked over to the mirror to try it on. After shifting his arms through the sleeve holes, and fidgeting with the bottom of the vest, Kurt lifted his head to the mirror. The vest fit him rather well; it was a snug tight, like when Burt used to tuck him in at night a few years ago. The sliver brought out his electric glasz eyes. Kurt tilted his head at how the vest framed his torso, making him look slim, but rather fit.
This is the one. Kurt thought to himself, smiling broadly. He brushed the excess dust off his vest and went rooting around for some pants. He eventually found some stretchy, light blue pants. After pulling them on, Kurt reached down and rolled the cuffs up, so they stopped right below his ankle. He did a 180 in front of the mirror and then turned to proceed to the bathroom.
Kurt brushed his teeth, leaving a fresh mint taste in his mouth, and combed and coifed his hair. He gave one last reassuring smile as He grabbed stroked navy Leaf Village headband, a sign that he was on the road to acceptance, before tying it around his head. He grabbed his sandals of the same color before bounding down the stairs to say goodbye to Burt.
Kurt didn’t expect Burt to cry, and even though it was tears of joy running down his ‘dad’s’ slightly chubby face, he still couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness in his chest.
“Hey,” Kurt said placing a hand on Burt’s shoulder, “its goanna be alright. Aren’t you happy for me?” Kurt felt a slight panic in his chest. He wanted Burt to love him, just as much as Kurt did. Kurt started fidget with his fingers thinking Burt’s love ran out. Kurt knew he wasn’t meant to be loved, but he thought Burt was different. He really thought someone actually cared for him, and Kurt felt instantly depressed.
“Of course I’m happy.” Burt said half crying, half laughing. “You’re my only, dare I say? Son.”
Kurt’s head shot up in surprise. Burt wasn’t mad at him?
“You’re not mad at me?” Kurt sputtered out in a small voice.
Burt’s eyes widened and pulled his son into an embrace. “Of course I’m not mad; it’s quite the opposite actually.” Burt paced around the small living room. He stopped at a photo of Kurt, young and broken. He picked up the frame gingerly and gave it to Kurt.
“Why are you giving me this?” Kurt looked at the boy in the photo. He was slumped on a wooden swing in an abandoned park, holding a worn teddy bear in his hand not attached to the rope. Kurt gave a shaky breath.
“The boy in that picture has grown so much,” Burt started finally, “he’s been through so much, but has continued to hold his head high.”
Burt stopped for a moment.
“You’re the strongest person I know Kurt. Never forget that.”
Burt pulled his son into one final embrace.
“And if any lowlife ninja hurts you, I’ll come running in a heartbeat.”
Kurt laughed and kissed Burt’s cheek. “Thanks for everything.” He gave Burt one final look before opening the front door and stepping out. He felt the Hidden Leaf Village’s warm summer sun on him, and he regained hope.
“Make way for Kurt!” He yelled at the top of his lungs. He ignored the disapproving looks he was getting; nothing could bring him down today. Kurt decided to take the east path to the Ninja Academy, more scenic. He felt his stealthy sandals pound against the cobbled path. The strong mature trees providing perfect shade for his morning stroll. Kurt felt like nothing could go wrong, he felt at the top of the world. He saw two birds playing in a nearby birdbath and smiled. The birds were playfully thumping each other softly with their small, downy, wings. They chirped a musical tune and Kurt couldn’t help but replicate it. He was humming the whimsical little tune with the best of his ability. He was floating on air, it felt like a high. He was about to take his voice up an octave when he noticed he wasn’t alone. Kurt craned his neck around the curvy, ivy covered wall. He saw a boy, probably his age walking ahead of him at a leisurely pace, hands in his pockets. Kurt only saw the back of his head, slick black hair styled with an obsessive amount of product. He was wearing a blue long sleeve thermal shirt, on his back he saw the infamous Uchiha crest.
There’re still Uchiha’s in the village? Kurt though judgmentally.
Kurt only knew bits and pieces of the story, apparently one of their members turned rouge and committed a homicidal killing of the entire clan. He didn’t know there was one left. Kurt’s intrigue was replaced by empathy.
He must be so lonely, Kurt thought selflessly. At least Kurt had Burt, apparently this kid had nothing. Still on his high, Kurt walked a little faster to catch up with the boy. He wanted to help him through these dark times, even if they weren’t placed on the same squad.
Kurt caught up to the adolescent and started:
“Hi, I’m Kurt.” He smiled broadly and extended a hand.
The boy stopped and turned his head. Finally being able to take in his features, he felt something he’d never felt before. Something warm stirred in his stomach upon sight of the boy. Kurt’s eyes instinctually rushed to the boy’s eyes, Burt always said you could tell the true nature of a ninja through the eyes, but Kurt didn’t know what to make of his. The boy’s eyes weren’t a solid color; they were explosive hues of brown mixed in with a honey-like goldenrod. Kurt felt lost in them and couldn’t tell what emotion lied within.
You’re staring. Kurt willed himself to stop, but he couldn’t. He took in the boys long eyelashes and Kurt’s eyes traveled lower, towards his pink lips that looked oh so-
Stop, Kurt. He forced himself to look off-focused at the boy.
“Blaine.” The boy said lamely.
Kurt smiled.
“So Blaine,” Kurt started, he liked the way the name came off his lips, “Are you going to the Ninja Academy?”
Blaine gave him a fiery stare; it was almost as if his brown eyes were burning into him. Kurt felt his face heat up immediately under the boy’s gaze. He shifted onto his left foot and gazed at the ground. He didn’t know why someone he just met was doing this to him, making him nervous and hot.
“Yeah, I was actually heading there now.”
“Oh,” Kurt replied lamely, “Well do you want me to walk with you? You know, provide company?”
Kurt gave a hopeful smile, but Blaine turned away.
“I’d rather go by myself, sorry.” Blaine turned on his heel and continued on his path.
Kurt’s heart sunk in his chest, but he nodded nevertheless.
“Oh, okay, see you around?” Kurt gave a little half wave, but Blaine didn’t respond.
Kurt kicked a pebble along the cobblestone path, he was trying, really trying to think of something besides Blaine, but he always found his mind wandering back to him. Back to his goldenrod eyes, back to his jet-black hair, and Kurt couldn’t help the weird feeling he got around him. At first he felt all warm and fuzzy, but now he could sense Blaine’s chakra. It felt cold and black, and oh so lonely. Kurt new himself what it was like to feel that way, and he was going to help Blaine into the light, no matter what.

Quinn finished tying her perfect blonde hair back into a high-ponytail. The blonde curls bounced across the nape of her neck creating a ticklish sensation. Quinn smiled, and leaned over her vanity to curl her lashes. She knew that looks and appearances won’t really matter once she got on the battlefield, but she wanted to make a good first impression. She eyed the outfit she picked out. It was perfect really. The top was a sleeveless pure red cheerleading-type shirt with a collar and a single button, the bottom was a flared cheerleading-type skirt, again pure red. She smiled again; she had it made to resemble a cheerleading uniform because it was one of her favorite hobbies after Ninjutsu. Quinn doubted she would have any time for the mundane sport so she wanted to take a little piece of home on missions with her.
After getting into the ‘uniform’, Quinn walked over to her body mirror and surveyed herself. In her opinion she looked perfect, like a delicate rose. She fidgeted with the hem of her blouse and brushed the invisible lint off her skirt. She skipped over to the foot of her bed and slipped on her white sandals. Quinn was about to exit her room when something shiny on her bed caught her eye. She walked over and examined the item more closely- a red Hidden Leaf Village headband, she almost forgot. She grabbed it gingerly and stuffed it in her pocket. She left her room and ran down her spiral staircase, sandals slapping on the marble.
She ran out the door after one last look at her home. Her parents work in the morning so she already said her goodbyes, but she still missed them. After one last glance she trotted off onto the street.
“Good morning.” Quinn said politely to a passing bystander that smiled at her. Everybody loved her, she could usually walk outside and little boys would run to hug her, and Quinn would kiss their cheeks, sending them giggling to their moms. Quinn secretly loved the attention, she acted humble because it was polite, but she knew she was better than everyone else here. She had looks, a pretty voice, or so she’s been told, and an awesome jutsu. She fidgeted with her hands. She couldn’t wait to show her new teammates her jutsu she’s been working all summer to perfect.
Quinn was about to turn the corner when someone knocked into her. Quinn stumbled and fell, hitting her side rather-harshly. She rubbed it and got up, angry at the insensitive jerk that pushed her.
“Hey!” Quinn yelled sharply, “Aren’t you goanna apologize?”
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry! That’s actually the second time I’ve ran into someone this week!” He gave a musical laugh, one that actually softened Quinn’s rage, but she had an image to keep up, and her side was probably bruised.
The boy had chestnut colored hair that was perfectly styled and fair skin. Fairer than her own actually, and that made her a tiny bit jealous. He had a sliver vest that seemed to shimmer with the sun, with light blue pants. The boy was wearing a navy Leaf headband, so he must be a new Genin. Quinn looked into his electric blue-gray eyes, they intimidated her and that just sent her once dormant rage back to a boil.
“I’m Kurt.” He smiled and stuck out a hand, which Quinn quickly smacked away.
“I don’t care who you are!” Quinn snapped, “You should watch where you’re going and stay out of other people’s way.” She knew she was being harsh, but she was annoyed that he could make her feel, even a little bit, scared.
Kurt felt honestly confused, he just tried to apologize, but this girl was getting mad at him. Granted he pushed her, but he was truly sorry. Maybe if he apologized again…
“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t“-Quinn cut him off.
“You didn’t what? Think? I can’t believe I’m even dealing with you.”
Quinn looked at Kurt’s eyes wide with guilt, and she realized who he was.
Kurt watched the girls green eyes widen with realization, and he suddenly felt sick to his stomach.
He’s that demon child. Quinn thought rudely.
“Ugh, you make me sick,” Quinn spat, “Just get away from me demon.”
Kurt didn’t know anyone his age knew about his- situation. And for the second time in one hour, his heart had been crushed. Kurt felt tears well in his eyes and let them fall this time. He felt the stinging water against his cheek and didn’t even wipe them away. He was mad, and for once in his life he was goanna stand up for himself.
Quinn saw Kurt’s eyes fill with tears and her heart sunk. She didn’t mean to make him cry. Well what did she mean to do? She was being kind of a bitch, but she kept her poker face on and stared into the demons eyes.
“Everybody judges me!” Kurt yelled. Quinn took a step back, she didn’t know what he could do if angered. Kurt continued anyway to Quinn’s dismay.
“You don’t know me,” He annunciated while sticking his index finger in her face, “all my life I’ve put up with people like you, judgmental, cruel, admittedly you’re pretty on the outside, but I’m pretty sure your heart is as black as that cheap eyeliner you’ve got on!”
Quinn opened her mouth but nothing came out. He was right of course, she had been cruel and judgmental, but she was in no mood to change her whole lifestyle for this monster.
“Just stay away from me demon.” Quinn stated calmly, as she turned on her heel, her blonde ponytail bouncing elegantly on her neck.

Kurt wiped his eyes as soon as the blonde vixen was gone. He didn’t know why everybody judged him, but they did anyway. He was nice to everyone and still got treated like dirt. Blaine and the blond ruined his once great day, and it wasn’t even noon. Kurt started on the cobble path again, staring up into the clouds.
“When are my dreams worth anything?” He whispered to the air, “When do I get to live a fairytale, to be loved?” He felt the tears again but stopped them. If he walked into his first meeting with his squad with red eyes and tear tracks they would surely bully him more. Kurt’s stomach turned again. How was he going to take being bullied by ninja he’s forced to see every day? He started to doubt his decision to be a Shinobi, but quickly pushed that thought away. Burt was proud of him, and that’s all he really needed. Kurt took a deep breath and looked to the positive again. He was able bodied, had great fashion sense, and a smart brain.
When he opened his eyes he was in front of a gate. The kanji read ‘Ninja Academy’ and Kurt walked, slowly to the classrooms.
He felt eyes on him, judgmental eyes, ones that he dreaded seeing everyday he left the house. He eventually heard snickers too, but kept a high head. He walked into the college style classroom. He looked around for Blaine and found him sitting at a desk in a corner, eyes not focused on anything in particular. Kurt sighed and took a seat as far away from him as possible. He didn’t need a distraction, what he needed, was respect.
After a while the instructor came in, a slender slash across the bridge of his nose, wearing the standard Jonin- elite ninja, uniform, a green flak jacket with the Land of Fire’s crest, and navy pants. He introduced himself as Iruka and started calling off the teams.
Kurt was zoned out for a while and only started to focus again when he heard Blaine’s name, it was pathetic really, but the boy really intrigued him. Blaine walked up to the room, upon hearing girls swoon; Kurt felt a fire in his stomach.
Kurt heard ‘Quinn Fabray’ and looked up in shock to see a certain blonde stroll up to the front. He loved the name, and it fit her well. Kurt scowled to himself. Quinn stood next to Blaine a little too closely, and he shifted awkwardly away from her. Kurt smiled in triumph. All of a sudden he heard ‘Kurt Hummel’ and all eyes turned on him.
Kurt felt cold sweat roll fall down his forehead. Everybody was looking at him. He saw Quinn’s eyes widen, and her smirk turn into a frown. Kurt tentatively got out of his seat and walked to the front. It seemed like ages before he got there and cursed himself for his nervousness, he hoped it didn’t show. He stood to the right of Blaine, opposite of Quinn. He could feel Blaine’s eyes on him and he blushed lightly. Kurt didn’t know why he felt this way around Blaine, but he’s not sure he likes it.
Iruka dubbed the team ‘Team 10: Schuester’ and flipped the clip board to the next sheet. Kurt, Quinn, and Blaine took their respective seats and waited for Iruka to give the next instructions. After twenty minutes Iruka finished and started to speak.
“Okay you all have you’re teams, now you’re ordered to get lunch together, and meet your instructor back here in an hour. It’ll help you bond and get to know each other.”
Kurt new Iruka’s intentions were good, but he wanted to curl up in a ball. He was placed on a team with the worse possible teammates ever. Not because of ability, but because of Kurt’s own problems. One he wanted to get to know better without wanting to throw-up, and one he wanted to strangle until that stereotypical Barbie’s head popped.
All the other teams left and Kurt was left alone with Quinn, filing her nails, and Blaine staring off into space. Kurt sighed and decided to make the first move.
“My dad owns a ramen shop; we could eat for free there.” Kurt gave a hopeful smile to Blaine and a glance to Quinn.
Blaine’s eyes widened at the mention of ramen. Not only was he placed on a squad with a beautiful boy, but said beautiful boy also has one of his favorite places to eat in his family. Blaine scrunched up his eyebrows. Did he just call Kurt beautiful? He shrugged it off to focus at the task at hand.
“That sounds great, actually.” Blaine’s heart soared at the way Kurt smiled at him. He decided to agree on everything he says just to get that reaction.
“Quinn was it?” Blaine asked.
The blond turned her head and smiled, “yeah?”
“Are you ready?”
“Oh. Yeah, sorry.” Quinn smiled apologetically at Blaine. “Let’s go Kurt.” Quinn said with a roll of her eyes. Kurt stepped in front of them, he was happy to oblige.
The walk to Burt’s ramen shop was silent, the awkward kind of silent that you desperately wanted to get out of. Nevertheless they eventually reached the shop without saying a word. Kurt pushed aside the curtains and let Blaine and Quinn in before him. Kurt saw his father washing a bowl and called to him
“Hey dad, can we get something to eat?” Burt’s eyes widened and grabbed his son in a bear hug.
“Of course.” Kurt saw Burt notice Blaine and Quinn, and raised an eyebrow to him.
“Oh, this is Blaine,” Kurt really didn’t mean to say his name as dreamily as he did, but it came out that way anyway, “And Quinn.”
Burt shook both of their hands. “You Kurt’s teammates?”
They both nodded.
“Well I hope you treat him with respect, what would you like?” Burt walked over to the counter and handed them menus. They took them and Quinn started flipping through hers, eyes crawling over the pages.
“Of course, nothing but love.” Blaine said before Kurt could question him about it.
This boy is going to be the death of me. Kurt thought with an audible sigh.